RWANDA-BOUND MDUDUZI CHAMP

MATSAPHA – National team cyclist Mduduzi Zwane has raced to the top in the returning individual time trial.

Zwane, who is in the three-member squad that will represent the country in the African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda next month, clocked an unmatched 01:03:21 hours to win the 38km event ahead of other forceful cyclists during the event staged under the OK Foods banner at Phocweni outside Matsapha yesterday.

As the name suggests, the cyclists compete individually with time. The 21-year-old had the fastest time on the challenging course, punctuated with steep climbs. Equally forceful, MTN Khemani teammates Muzi Shabangu and Sicelo Phiri completed the list of podium finishers. Shabangu is also in the national team alongside Dig Deep’s Gcina Banda, who was fifth. The proud champion said practicing on the route did the trick.
“It’s good practice for the Africa Championships as we would endure an almost similar course in Rwanda.

“ In a time trial, a cyclist’s endurance is put to the test as one has to sprint from start to finish,” said Zwane. Shabangu, on the other hand, was relieved to have made the podium, as he is no fan of time trials.

In the ladies division, daring and versatile female cyclist Retha Harding stunned MTN Khemani teammate Carol Preat to win gold. The other event, which was 19km long was won by Kwanele Jele. Guests led by Deputy Prime Minister Paul Dlamini and the ever-present Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala witnessed the event.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: